Larry Vuckovich

Before the modern jazz piano/bass/drums trios of artists like Bud Powell, Oscar Peterson, and Hank Jones, the original jazz piano trio consisted of piano, guitar, and bass. Pianist Larry Vuckovich is excited to showcase this swinging jazz trio concept, playing the music of Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson, Ahmad Jamal, Vince Guaraldi, & Jim Hall. He will be joined by Bay Area veteran Jeff Chambers on bass, and the young, new discovery on the guitar, Kai Lyons. Don’t miss this special concert!

Larry Vuckovich has won acclaim from critics and jazz audiences for his deeply imaginative style and repertoire heard at prestigious North American and European jazz clubs, concert halls and festivals. The New York Times notes that his unique outlook and collection of influences “set him apart from most pianists who are heard regularly in New York.” The Village Voice comments on his “book of piano gems that will keep you guessing.” The Toronto Globe and Mail calls him “a musician who sits apart from the rest by virtue ... of his taste for both the exotic and the exquisite.” He has played with jazz greats from several influences: Dexter Gordon, Philly Joe Jones, Mel Tormé, Don Byas, and Red Norvo to today’s artists: Charlie Haden, Bobby Hutcherson, Bobby McFerrin, Tom Harrell, and Charles McPherson. He led the Keystone Korner house trio in San Francisco for five years, before moving to the New York scene, where he played at all the top clubs. When he returned home, Larry later headed the Grand Hyatt’s Club 36 music program, which during his tenure, became a San Francisco Jazz Festival venue. Larry presented weeklong theme shows there and at Kimballs East/West, Yoshi’s, and The Bach, and was artistic director of the former Napa Valley Jazz Festival in Yountville. He also performed as a guest of Marian McPartland on her NPR show, Piano Jazz. larryvuckovich.com

A talented and versatile bassist, Jeff Chambers is known for his impeccable timing, dynamic rhythms and improvisational dexterity. Chambers musical style is both lyrical and playful. With his distinct touch, smooth sound and innovative sensibility he travels the vast tradition of rhythm-fueled bass playing, skillfully referencing his predecessors while exploring new musical territory.

Chambers masterfully breaks the conventionally accepted boundaries of his instrument and forges new melodic possibilities. According to San Francisco Chronicle music critic Phil Elwood, "Jeff Chambers makes playing upright bass look and sound so easy with his rhythmic sense and melodic vocabulary." For more details, visit jeffchambersjazz.com.

Kai Lyons is a 23 year old jazz guitarist. Growing up in the Exelsior District of San Francisco, he was surrounded by music and community from an early age. He completed his studies at Ruth Asawa School of the Arts in 2012 as the first to graduate from the acclaimed Classical Guitar Program, directed by Scott Cmiel. From 2012-2014, on full scholarship, Kai attended the prestigious jazz program at William Paterson University of New Jersey, directed by Mulgrew Miller. He studied with Vincent Herring, Gene Bertoncini, Harold Mabern, Rich Perry, and Hal Galper. Ever since returning to the Bay Area in 2015, he has traveled frequently to New York City, New Orleans, and the Caribbean on music trips. He has performed with Mike Clark and Donald Harrison of Herbie Hancock's Original Headhunters, is a Jazz Search West Semifinalist, and gigs regularly with award-winning organist Wil Blades.kailyons.com